Providing energy comfort in a short-term rental

Have you invested in a short-term mountain rental property? Are you looking to provide energy-efficient comfort for your tenants while saving on energy costs? Today, we’re sharing all our tips to help you offer the best possible experience to your guests.

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Eco-construction: a more eco-friendly and cost-effective home

Travelers today are increasingly demanding. Why? Because there is a multitude of options on the market for short-term stays, especially when it comes to mountain vacation rentals! It is essential that guests feel comfortable in your property and that they stay warm.

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First, it’s important to know that there are indeed environmental requirements for short-term rentals. Since 2013, the RT 2012 thermal regulations have been in place, placing ecology at the heart of the real estate sector. This was later updated with the RT 2020, which is even more restrictive. It mandates the construction of positive-energy buildings—meaning buildings that produce more energy than they consume. The overall goal is to make low-consumption buildings the standard. These types of buildings consume, on average, less than 50 kWh/m² per year.

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Compared to older constructions, you can achieve energy savings in the following areas:

• wall and roof insulation
• window insulation,
• heating (condition of installations, energy source, hot water production system, ventilation)

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Reducing energy expenses in the mountains

While eco-constructions offer significant energy savings, they remain very expensive. If you have invested in an older mountain property, you can still make energy improvements by focusing on these three areas:

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Thermal insulation: a major source of energy loss

Insulation is THE most important factor, especially in a mountain environment. It is crucial to use materials that effectively combat the cold. Note that in a house with uninsulated roofs and walls, 25% to 30% of heat is lost to the outside. For uninsulated windows, that figure rises to 15%. Therefore, if your windows and doors don't have optimal thermal insulation, nearly half of what you spend on heating is essentially wasted.

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By choosing high-quality windows and doors, you get a double benefit: your short-term tenants will enjoy greater comfort, and your electricity bills will be lower!

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Reducing energy waste from household appliances

To improve the daily energy comfort of your guests, you can also look into appliance solutions.

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First, by installing a water softener, you will reduce limescale buildup on surfaces. If scale accumulates, electrical appliances have to work harder and use more energy to reach the desired temperature. Opting for a water softener in the mountains will help you regulate energy costs, keep your appliances in good condition for longer, and provide higher-quality water for your guests.

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Secondly, advise your tenants to use the "eco" mode on their various household appliances. It ensures the appliance functions properly while limiting energy consumption. Additionally, it is important to encourage tenants to turn off devices when they are not in use!

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Choose an efficient heating system

Underfloor heating is a comfortable option. It is unobtrusive and creates a clean look. This heating system ensures uniform heat distribution throughout a room, as the warmth rises from the floor to the ceiling. You can add zone thermostats to control the temperature in each room individually. Maximum comfort for your tenants!

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Another solution is to use a heat pump. It is ideal for alpine properties! It can heat in the winter and provide cooling in the summer. It produces zero carbon emissions and is safer than electric water heaters.

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Finally, a wood stove can also be a great solution. It is a staple of mountain homes and something many vacationers expect to see. However, you will need to provide a stock of wood or pellets for your tenants. Also, keep in mind that it is not possible to precisely control the temperature in individual rooms with this option.

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Energy renovation checklist

Ready to dive into major energy-efficiency upgrades for your guests' comfort? We've put together a checklist for you!

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• Get an energy performance certificate for your rental. It will help you assess your property's efficiency. You'll be assigned a rating from A to G. Additionally, the professional will provide energy renovation recommendations.

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If you don't get this assessment to identify your property's weak points, you can focus on:

• wall insulation
• attic insulation
• floor insulation
• upgrading windows and doors
• replacing the heating system